Silver Salmon

While trolling and casting on the Siuslaw Estuary, Duane & Rebecca suddenly hit platnum and doubled up on nickle-bright Silver Salmon. The Siuslaw Bay at Florence still had beautiful freshly-arriving large Coho available just before the current low pressure system moved in.

For several weeks now the Siuslaw River has been dishing out some consistent Silver Salmon action. While trolling herring down in the Bay near Florence has been the "go to" method, some folks have found some very cooperative Coho on spinners, trolled or pitched. Impending rain may soon move the fish, but hopefully a new batch will shoot in from the Pacific as river levels from the current freshet recede.

It's that time of year when Fall Chinook and Coho are on the docket up and down the Oregon Coast. As the salmon stage in the estuaries in preparation for their upriver migration, it's often a trolling game. As rain arrives and river levels climb dramatically, focus often changes to the free flowing waters well upriver of the tidal influence. Suddenly the drift boat becomes the craft of choice as fishermen row their way from salmon hole to salmon hole. As fish sense proximity to their natal spawning grounds, the bite can be ferocious with unnerving urgency and focused intent.

Nicholas and Jon enjoyed some Fall estuary trolling on the lower Umpqua River. They worked hard to land a total of 4 salmon during their trip, two keepers & two native Coho for release. Marauding seals added to the challenge while fighting 1 salmon.